Giraffes Arrive At Turtle Back Zoo In N.J.

The giraffes are here.

On Sunday, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. announced that two giraffes from Florida - Lincoln and Milo – arrived at Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange.

In July, Essex County officials announced plans to construct a $7 million giraffe exhibit, tentatively slated to open this spring.

The 200 by 100 foot exhibit area will feature a climate-controlled barn, three-acres of land designed to mimic the African Savannah and multiple public viewing areas, county officials previously stated.

Closed circuit cameras will also be installed in the barn so the giraffes can be viewed on a video screen in the Zoo Café.

• See related article: Turtle Back Zoo Plans To Build Giraffe Exhibit In Essex County

Much of the social media reaction to the news of the zoo’s new residents was positive.

• “My god! I've been waiting for them. Have to come see them this spring.”
• “Can't wait to visit with the kids. My 4 year old will be over the moon!”
• “I love giraffes. Welcome to West Orange!”

However, some locals expressed concern that the Turtle Back Zoo – and New Jersey – may be a harmful environment for giraffes.

• “Disgusting. These giraffes belong somewhere in Africa, not caged and confined in some zoo in West Orange, NJ.”
• “Such a sad sight. This is very cruel. Giraffes are not native to New Jersey. The stress forced upon these animals, both physically and emotionally, is not worth the financial gain. Animals are not in existence solely for our pleasure, particularly with regard to wild animals.”
• “This actually makes me so sad and slightly less likely to go to the zoo. Sigh....”

What do you think? Are you excited to see giraffes at the Turtle Back Zoo? Take our reader poll below.

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